Chapter 6 : The Magic Trick
Mango stood in a box decorated with stars. Her heart felt like it was going to burst with excitement! She was the lovely assistant of Sunil the Great, a mongoose magician. Mango had never met a mongoose before, much less one that was also a magician. At first when he had taken so long to answer her question she had been worried that he would say no. After a few minutes he had finally shaken his head yes and told her where to stand. Now she was in a box about to be magically transported from one place to another. It was so exhilarating. She could hardly stop from laughing with glee! But, Mango forced herself to remain calm.
Act professional Mango. You are a magician's assistant and should act like one. Oh, but this is just so AWESOME! Mango began to softly bounce up and down as she waited for the magic trick to begin.
"Ladies and gentleman, prepare to be amazed! I, Sunil the Great, will do a trick I like to call… the old Switcheroo Improved! I will send this lovely pet through space, disappearing from the box and me reappearing in her place. But this time, she will also reappear in my place!" Sunil said with great flourishes and waves of his wand. He emphasized the fact that the trick would work and that he would be the one to do it.
Wow, Sunil sure is excited about this trick. What does he mean by improved? Has he tried this trick before? Mango thought as she began to worry a little. Her bouncing ceased.
Sunil began running around in circles, swishing his cape and chanting magic words. Mango couldn't help it, she began to giggle. He looked funny when he flaped his cape, as if he was a chicken trying to take flight. The sounds he was emitting reminded her of a chicken as well. Mango was still a little worried, but her glee began to overshadow the doubt. She had full confidence that Sunil could get this trick right.
"I hope this works." Sunil muttered as he faced the box.
Maybe not full confidence.
Mango quickly shut her eyes as Sunil waved the magic wand. Her heart beat faster and faster, she knew there was no backing out now. But, she hoped with every fiber of her being that the trick would work. She steeled herself for whatever was coming next. Then, a blinding light appeared out of nowhere. It was so bright that it stung her eyes and made them water even with her eyelids closed. Her entire body felt tingly, as if she had lied down too long without moving at all. Suddenly she heard a noise, a soft ringing like a bell. It was so soothing, she began to calm down. That noise, that beautiful sound filled her ears. The bell seemed to transport her away from her fears and her troubles. She was completely at peace with herself and the world.
The ringing stopped all too soon. Mango opened her eyes slowly and blinked to get used to the change in light. She was standing in a cloud of smoke, coughing she tried to find out where she was. Mango realized that she was standing in front of a very surprised Vinnie. Then she remembered what had transpired only a few moments ago.
"The trick worked. The trick worked! Yes! Great job Sunil! You were amazing!" Mango ran over and congratulated the Mongoose with a hug. Her tail wagged as she released the proud pet. Her cheeks were a faint shade of pink as she looked up at the mongoose.
"Thank you, but I could never have done it without my great assistant." Sunil patted Mango on the back before strolling over to Vinnie with a large grin.
"So, what do you think my green friend? Was it not amazing?" Sunil's eyes shone with pride as he got the opinion of his best friend.
"Sunil buddy, you were great!" Vinnie embraced Sunil in a hug.
Mango sat back and smiled. It warmed her heart to see them be so affectionate with each other. She had always wanted a friend that she could confide in. Someone who would be there for her and who she could be there for in return. It seemed like Vinnie and Sunil had found that one friend that would always be there. Mango's tail wagged as she dreamed about the joy they must have been feeling at that moment. She truly believed that nothing could get in the way of those two friends.